BGS flood response

BGS is actively involved in flood research and data provision for the UK. We aim to respond to major flood events wherever possible and any new data will be fed back into our work. Examples of this research are provided below.

Geological maps show where all the floodplains and coastal plains in Britain are located and therefore the main areas at greatest vulnerability from flooding. From this information BGS has produced a map dataset called Geological Indicators of Flooding; GIF.

To investigate the link between floodplain extent and extreme flooding events BGS has undertaken a number of aerial surveys. This photographic collection will be used to improve our understanding of floodplain processes and management of floodplains. It will also be essential data to validate the GIF dataset by extracting and digitising the real extent of the flooding.

BGS took to the air in the aftermath of the flooding in South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Humberside to collect photographic evidence of the link between flood plain extent and extreme flooding events.